Program Overview

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Introduction to the Asian Pacific American Studies Program

The Bachelor of Arts in Asian Pacific American studies prepares students to engage and transform their communities. This program focuses on the histories and experiences of one of the fastest-growing ethnic communities in the U.S., examining how those experiences reflect local and global processes affecting society and communities.

Program Description

The Asian Pacific American studies program emphasizes community-engaged research methods, local community collaboration, and independent research for the development of transferable skills applicable to professional careers, civic engagement, and world-making. The program applies a pedagogy of care and creative options that promote student learning and success.

Key Program Elements

• Engage in the histories and experiences of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.
• Examine how these experiences reflect local and global processes affecting society and communities.
• Develop valuable analytical and applied skills via community-focused research and engagement.
• Optional internship working with local communities in culturally relevant ways.

At a Glance

• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe
• Second language requirement: Yes
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
• First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
• Math intensity: General

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Asian Pacific American studies program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the field. Students can view the current curriculum and archives for more information.

Concurrent Program Options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated Program Options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree.

Available Accelerated Programs

• American Studies, MA
• Social and Cultural Pedagogy, MA

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors. Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include:

• Analyze a historical or contemporary issue affecting the AAPI community.
• Ability to critically discuss and analyze Asian American and Pacific Islander experiences and communities within local, national, and global contexts.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the history of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the U.S. through an internship or a research project under the supervision of an ASU faculty member.

Global Opportunities

Students in the Asian Pacific American studies program are able to enhance their education by studying abroad. With more than 300 Global Education programs available to them in more than 65 countries, including many countries in Asia, students can improve their language skills, gain firsthand experience in their field of study, and experience new and unique cultures.

Career Opportunities

Graduates who complete the BA program in Asian Pacific American studies possess skills relevant for any career, professional degree, or graduate school. Training from this program also complements work in positions involving:

• Business
• Community organizations
• Creative arts
• Education
• Health
• Immigration
• Journalism
• Law
• Social work

Example Job Titles and Salaries

• Cultural Studies Professor: $84,290
• Educator: $48,400
• High School Teacher: $64,580
• Historian: $74,050
• Human Resources Specialist: $72,910
• Intelligence Officer: $93,580
• Lawyer: $151,160
• Museum Curator: $61,770
• Public Relations Manager: $138,520
• Religious Leader: $60,820